Introduction: Use Raspberry Pi 3 As Router

According to Wikipedia, a router is a networking device that forwards data packets between computer networks. If we tear-down a wireless router, we will probably find an application specific processor that handles data packets and an RF segment that handles wireless connectivity.

You know what else has a processor and an RF segment.

THAT'S RIGHT a raspberry pi model 3. So in this miniProject, we will convert a raspberry pi to act as a router.

Step 1: Video

Take a look at video for quick comprehensive guide in 3 mins.

Step 2: Boot-up Raspberry Pi.

First step is to get your raspberry pi up and running. Official getting started guide on Raspberry pi website is best resource for this.

First line starts wlan0 interface on a hotplug event. Second line creates a network interface without an IP address which is normally done for bridge elements. Third line starts br0 interface on boot up. Forth line helps in automatic assignment of IP address to br0 interface using DHCP server and finally fifth line connects eth0 interface with wlan0. Save this file and close it.

Step 8: Edit /etc/hostapd/hostapd.conf

Next, we will configure our wireless access point, we can do this using a file called hostapd.conf in /etc/hostapd folder. Open it up

Value assigned to ssid is the name that access point will use to broadcast its existence. Last five lines are focused on authentication and security of access point. Value of wpa_passsphrase is used as login password which is subscribe in our case. This is a link to document, where you can find definition of each variable that we have used here.